OF NUMBERS AND STARS

An attractive and engaging biographical sketch of a significant woman about whom tantalizingly little can be known. Hypatia was born in Alexandria, Egypt in the late fourth century to a father who vowed to teach her everything he knew. That included not only grammar, mathematics and philosophy, but how to spear a fish, ride a horse and steer a boat, subjects women were simply not taught. She became renowned for her learning and many came to study with her. The bright, elegant acrylics take something from Egyptian and something from Greek inspiration, and have a properly hieratic effect. While the politics of Hypatia’s death remain controversial, the fact that she was murdered by a mob in a.d. 415 is relegated to an author’s note. Unfortunately, the author has felt it necessary to add dialogue and emotions she cannot possibly know, but the core biography is a worthy contribution to women’s history. (author’s note, more about math, resources) (Picture book/biography. 5-9)